Nan Sherwood's Summer Holidays

by Annie Roe Carr

"Nan Sherwood's Summer Holidays" by Annie Roe Carr is a young adult novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Nan Sherwood, a spirited and adventurous girl, who is preparing for a summer trip to Scotland to visit her family’s ancestral home, Emberon. With a lively cast of friends and potential conflicts that arise during their school days, the narrative promises themes of friendship, growth, and the excitement of new experiences. At the start of the novel, we meet Nan and her close friends as they celebrate New Year's Eve. The excitement builds as Nan reveals her upcoming trip to Scotland, a thrilling opportunity that stirs both joy and reluctance among her friends, particularly Bess, who is concerned about being separated from her. As they discuss their resolutions and contemplate their friendships, elements of tension are introduced, particularly about a schoolmate named Linda Riggs, who appears to overshadow Nan's happiness. This sets the stage for not only the trip but the adventures and challenges that await them.